CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Temporary permits for curbside dining, issued during the pandemic, will soon expire along Third Avenue in Chula Vista, but city leaders are eyeing ways to expand 'al fresco' dining to all of Chula Vista.
"I feel like it brings the community together," said Chula Vista resident Mitchel Highers, a vocal fan of outdoor dining along Chula Vista's busy Third Avenue. "Me personally, I love it."
He seems to have plenty of company.
"When they come outside, they're sitting at the tables, they get to people watch, they get to see all the activities going on," added another patron.
Always intended to be a temporary initiative during the pandemic, the city is now requiring all outdoor parklets to come down by September 4.
"It seems like a wasted effort to me," said Highers, "because the community loves them. This place is always packed on the weekends. If it goes away there's probably going to be some complaints, I imagine."
"We believe that outdoor dining is a huge benefit to the city of Chula Vista," said Mayor John McCann who is now working to expand the concept by leading a special subcommittee to develop a city-wide plan for outdoor dining to benefit both businesses and patrons.
"To be able to get their input on how we could craft something that would be positive for them, be able to help the local community but also making sure they're following city guidelines," Mayor McCann told CBS 8.
"I don't understand what the rush is," said Gonzalo Quintero, the head of the Downtown Chula Vista Association and co-owner of Vogue Tavern.
"Why are we in a rush to take down these parklets when we have an opportunity to keep them up while we're developing this policy?" He asked.
Quintero has also launched a petition to keep the patios in place.
"These have become de facto public spaces," he added, pointing out they provide more accessibility to all community members, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
However, he also appreciates the city's move to create a permanent outdoor policy.
"As long as that policy is for everyone and we're allowed to work hand in hand in developing that policy," he told CBS 8.
Mayor McCann said, in moving forward on this, it's critical to be fair.
"We need to make sure that we are being respectful to all the stakeholders," he said.
Chula Vista's City Council is expected to give the green light to this new subcommittee at its meeting on Tuesday, August 13.
Watch Related: Street dining permits expiring soon in Chula Vista, local restaurants react (May 28, 2024)